December 16, 2024

JAMAICA - Ya Man!

We only had one day in Jamaica and Port Royal is on the south side of island, in the middle of coastline. Kingston, the capital city, was close by and also happens to be where the home and museum of Bob Marley is located. Scott, Bob, Sarah and I want to check out the legends story and the tour did not disappoint. We had an excellent guide that sang and got us all singing too! He was really gifted in pulling us into the world of Bob, the times, Reggae Music and Rastafarian religion and culture. The museum is in one of the four homes Bob Marley actual lived with his wife Rita and 3 children, while in Jamaica and was the home he and his wife and manager were shot in. Bob was shot in elbow, his wife, in the head - both recovered. But his manager was hit in spine and paralyzed for rest of his life. 

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After the tour, we went down the road a bit to Devon House Mansion, which is the architectural dream of Jamaica's first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Steibel was among 3 wealthy Jamaicans who constructed elaborate homes during the late 19th century. There used to be 3 homes like this called Millionaire Corner, but other 2 were torn down and redeveloped. Stiebel made his money in mines of South America. In 1990, Jamaica made a national monument. Today, it is viewed as a monument and Gastronomy Center. The World's 4th best ice cream is on site as ranked by National Geographic's Food Journeys of a Lifetime. I tasted the "grapenuts" flavor, it was good - the best / only time I have had that flavor?!? Our driver Dain said the Curry lamb patty sandwich was his favorite! We did a quick stroll around and then headed back to ship. Along the way, we saw office building owned by countries Olympic legend Usan Bolt - note gold athlete on top of building. There are tons of motorcycles on roads, with multiple passengers, sometimes a whole family and their dog! Hence the sign! Back at the Ship we had a late lunch and then went out again to see small town of Port Royal. The main attraction is Fort Charles and we also saw the local fisherman bringing in their daily catch. We had hoped for a beach but prospects were limited in the port area. Several others had taken water taxi to Lime Cay Island. We were out of time.

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ANGKOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK, CAMBODIA

By Pat Patrick • September 28, 2026
Angkor , a UNESCO World Heritage Centre , is one of the most important archaelogical sites in SE Asia . It extends over 400 square km (250 miles). It contains hundreds of distinct structural remains and major temple sites (with around 72 recognized major structures). Below are a few other temple sites we saw. The first two were from a distance, on our sunset hike, the first night.

ANGKOR WAT, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

By Pat Patrick • September 28, 2026
Angkor Wat is the largest temple and the Capital of Angkor World Heritage . We hired a separate English speaking guide and tuktuk driver for the morning to escort us though this massive complex. We entered Angkor temple thru the west entry, the same one King Suryavarman would have entered via elephant, back in 1150, when it was built as a Hindu temple, dedicated to Vishnu . It took roughly 38 years to build, starting in 1113 and was done with lots of elephants, thousands of men and a bamboo pulley system, maneuvering the giant blocks of lava stone for the base and sandstone, for the structure, all quarried from the surrounding area.

SUNSET/ SUNRISE @ANGKOR WAT, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

By Pat Patrick • September 27, 2026
I am doing this getaway with my good buddy Basia, from the Ship. It has worked out beautifully, for a totally last minute throw together. We thought we would be dealing with rain the whole time, but we have been so blessed! Sunset this morning was stunning! Well worth getting up at 4 a.m.!